The Wilmingtonian., 1887-11-05
The Park Commission.

Brandywine?
The membership of the commission is
composed of most estmable gentlemen.
But it must be remarked that they appear
up to the present date to be too busy with
their own affairs to attend to any of that
of the city. Several meetings have been
held, or attempted by the commission, but
no quorum was gained.
The fact is, the commission is too large |
and unwielding for any practical purposes.
Since last spring the land on both sides of
the Brandywine has been in their possession.
Yet, what has been effected. As Park Com
missioners, they have done nothing. Two
meetings only have been held at which any
business was transacted, and as far as the
public is affected these meetings resulted in
number of regulations aud bylaws being
passed; this with recommendation in re-
gard to the east side park comprises what
our commissioners have done. And all of
this might have been accomplished in one
hours time.
Now, the fact is if those gentlemen can
not attend to the work they should resign
at once. No public office should be bnrther-
ed with figure heads whose sole advantage
is the questionable one of social prominence
alone.
Why not employ an engineer at once.
Have the land surveyed and let the citizens
at least learn whether they are the holders
of the amount of land they paid for. The
rents of the ground purchased will pay for
the hire of two engineers in the direction re-
| ferred to.
| Let us have the northern and southern
limits of the park indicated by posts, say
% feet apart, SO that the citizens may know
when they are on private ground and when
on park ground. The citizens have as much
right to be posted on these facts as the com
missoners themselves. A natural desire is
arising among the people to buy building
lots in the vicinity of the park. 1t is not
wrong to suppose that the same wish may
exist hidden in the breasts of some Of the
commissioners.
Y The locations, in some instances are so
.sat it is only natural that anyone would
iu0 7 ~-Sition to build. That wish exists
have an am - refore, it is wrong that
and is growing, ,Msss.~., ,orcer i tbs
the citizens should be kept rs. is al
dark as to building lines. This delay .N1l
ready arcusing suspicion. The enterprising
home builders, who have saved mp their
means for investment in a lot have been
| looking in the direction of Brandywine Park
for many months expecting to sec the eugi-
| neers' stakes. The people should not be
kept in the dark any longer. 1t is asked by
some citizeus that there be no more star
chamber meetings.
Let any citizen walk along the south race
bank in the neighborhood OF the Water De-
partmeut, il he can do so without endanger-
ing life and limb or risking the probability
Of cold bath in the race, and examine what
has been done by the commissioners, and
consider how much remains to be done.
Yet those gentlemen have $4,000 surplus in
bank, and that with the January payments
l Ehp off rrot
more.
Yet look at the filthy slimy water trick
ling into the race at every street inter
section, weeds growing long and green in
the race bottom Look at the most stately
trees OF the park burnt ont at the roots the
most prominent rocks covered with business
advertisements for which no rent is paid
and which spoil the beauty and privacy of
the scene
The commissioners have not made a move
as regards Rattlesnake run. Have they no
duty or power on the premises to stop that
nuisance? Visitors to the Park will soon
make up their minds that not only the Park
Commissioners but the Water Commission
ers also are negiecting their duty. The bus
mess would be much better served in the
hands of City Council when business meet
ings could be held out there and somebody
would become informed at least as to how
things are in this locality. Why. there are
gentlemen on the Park Commission who
have not been to the Brandywine for thirt!
: years and most probably never will be there
Go out there gentlemen, the cItizans invite
you politely, and you viii see drainage re
: pairs needed, that have arisen since the pur
chase Of the land last spring and whicl
y could not be fixed under $500.
II These evils must be looked after. 1t i
g the business of the commission to give
+" their attention.
Is One method, and we think very goo
2 one, is suggested as follows:
u First let the Water Departmental two Sol
iron pipes in the race from Market.up to Il
II head gates. At the same time let the Stree
III aud Sewer Directors lay 12-inch sewe
" pipe from the head gates down to Marke
oV street. Let the Park Commission the
u cover up the same and make drive way u
the Brandywine; the entrance to be at Ma
IL I.a, .t,,o. pbo Gt,oo+ ouI So,ar Dirootn